Active Packet Analyzer for High-Speed Network Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional network monitors are ineffective under high traffic conditions as they do not precisely inspect packet contents and require separate communication channels for actions, especially when devices are far apart, limiting their ability to take local actions on network traffic.
Innovation Solution
An active packet content analyzer that inspects network traffic in both directions simultaneously, using a packet processor and network search engine to normalize packets and perform actions based on predefined rules, enabling local action and communication with other network devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional network monitors are used to collect information on IP packets, then network monitoring is achieved, but inspection precision deteriorates under high network traffic conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The network monitor is divided into multiple specialized components: a packet processor for high-speed packet handling and normalization, a network search engine for pattern matching, and multiple communication channels for different types of information flow. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in specific tasks, maintaining inspection precision while handling high traffic volumes.
Solution Approach 2:
A normalization layer is introduced as an intermediary between packet capture and analysis. The packet processor normalizes incoming packets into a standardized format before they reach the analysis components, enabling efficient processing without sacrificing inspection precision even under high traffic conditions.
2Ease of operation
If conventional network monitors use separate communication channels for actions, then communication with remote devices is achieved, but response time deteriorates when devices are located far away
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple communication channels are merged into a unified communication interface that can handle both monitoring data and control actions simultaneously. This integration allows the system to send alerts and receive control commands through the same high-speed interface, eliminating the time delay associated with separate communication channels and enabling rapid response even for remote devices.
3Extent of automation
If conventional network monitors passively collect information, then network traffic monitoring is achieved, but the ability to take local actions on network traffic deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static passive monitoring mode to a dynamic active monitoring mode. The unified communication interface can dynamically switch between receiving monitoring data and sending control actions, and the system can automatically execute predefined actions (such as blocking malicious packets) without requiring constant external intervention, thereby enabling effective local actions on network traffic.
Solution Approach 2:
A feedback mechanism is implemented where the system not only collects information about network packets but also automatically responds to detected threats by executing predefined actions. The unified communication interface provides feedback loops that allow the system to adjust its behavior based on real-time network conditions, enabling automated local actions such as blocking suspicious traffic or alerting security systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
An active packet inspection device for a communications network, comprises a first terminal and a second terminal each adapted to couple the appliance in-line in the network and communicate data packets with network devices. A packet processor is coupled to the first terminal and second terminal and configured to normalize the data packets. A network search engine coupled to the packet processor and the memory, and configured to compare the data packets with the stored signatures, and when a match is found and other specified conditions are met, to perform an action identified in an associated rule. In one aspect, the network search engine includes a network search engine controller and a network search engine table including a memory configured to store a plurality of replicated signatures. Advantages of the invention include the ability to perform deep packet inspections actively on a communications network at high-speed.